Join Gina Keating, author and documentarian on the Netflix vs. Blockbuster rivalry, and sound designer Kyle Randall as they take you behind the curtain. They discuss the creative challenges of bringing market rivalries to life, from impactful storytelling to immersive sound design. Hear about their journey in crafting emotional narratives that connect with listeners. Plus, a lively debate on food preferences leads to fond memories, while they reflect on their bond with the audience.
The creation of Business Wars marked a significant shift in David Brown's career, blending engaging storytelling with essential business insights.
Gina Keating's transition from traditional journalism to crafting audio scripts showcases the challenges of balancing factual accuracy with dramatic storytelling.
Listener feedback highlights the emotional connection of Business Wars, as it fosters family discussions about business concepts and company cultures.
Deep dives
Origin Story of Business Wars
The podcast delves into the origins of Business Wars, revealing the journey of its creation and the collaborative effort behind it. It all began with David Brown and producer Karen Lowe, who envisioned a show that would not be another typical corporate interview series but rather an exploration of the drama behind business rivalries. The aim was to tell the captivating stories of the people and strategies involved in these battles, making the narratives more engaging for the audience. The excitement and discovery of creating the show marked a pivotal point in Brown's career, linking storytelling with business insights.
The Challenge of Writing for Podcasts
The podcast highlights the struggles and learning experiences involved in writing scripts for Business Wars. Gina Keating, a key contributor, shares her transition from traditional journalism to crafting audio scripts that require imaginative storytelling and dramatic flair. The process involved transforming factual information into vivid dramatizations, balancing accuracy with compelling narrative elements. This shift challenged her previous writing style and necessitated collaboration with producers, fostering an environment of creative growth.
Sound Design's Role in Storytelling
Sound design emerges as a critical element in enhancing the storytelling of Business Wars. Kyle Randall, the sound designer, explains how he uses audio to immerse listeners in the narrative, emphasizing the importance of creating a visceral atmosphere. For episodes like North Face versus Patagonia, layers of sound and music intertwine to generate tension and invoke emotions, making listeners feel as though they're experiencing the story firsthand. By carefully selecting and manipulating sounds, the design adds depth and richness, elevating the overall impact of each episode.
Evolution of the Show's Format
The podcast reflects on how Business Wars has evolved over its run, both in storytelling approach and production quality. Initially focusing on high-profile rivalries like Coke versus Pepsi, the show has diversified into exploring behind-the-scenes dynamics and lesser-known business battles. This shift has allowed the team to delve deeper into the character-driven aspects of business conflicts, offering richer narratives to the audience. As the show gained momentum and resources, it expanded its storytelling scope, showcasing the human side of business challenges.
Audience Connection and Impact
The episode emphasizes the importance of listener feedback and the emotional connection built through Business Wars. A heartfelt message from a listener highlights how the podcast has become a bonding activity for her and her daughters, sparking conversations about business concepts and company cultures. This connection reaffirms the show's relevance and ability to resonate with everyday listeners, turning them into engaged consumers of business narratives. The team expresses gratitude for such stories, reinforcing the shared journey of learning and exploration with their audience.
In this special episode, we're taking you behind the scenes of the show. We'll delve into how we chose our host and how the first season got off the ground. Then we'll explore how we bring the story to life with sound. And comedian Josh Gondelman will give David Brown a bit of a grilling. Plus, David reflects on a listener's message.
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